AMORGOS

Amorgos (from Greek Αμοργός) is the easternmost of the Cyclades, situated between Naxos and Astypalea. It can only be reached by sea and is 138 nautical miles from Piraeus. It is connected to many other Cyclades (Santorini, Naxos, the Small Cyclades, Syros, Paros) as well as Crete.

It has an area of 126 km² and about 2000 inhabitants.

Amorgos has a narrow and long shape with small cultivated valleys and a still unspoiled landscape. The eastern side has high and rugged coasts, while in the south, the mountains gently slope down to the sea, and the beaches are wider and sandy. The highest mountain is Krìkelos (821 meters), which was once covered by a dense forest until a massive fire in 1835 burned all the vegetation.

The population of Amorgos, in addition to tourism, lives off fishing, sheep farming, and some agriculture. The local cheese and honey are excellent.

The capital of the island is Amorgos, more commonly called Chora. The main port is in Katapola, and a second port is in Eghiali, further north. The island's inhabitants are famous for their humor and the composition of folk poems. Although Amorgos has now discovered tourism, it is still a tranquil place. The island is very windy, making it popular with windsurfing enthusiasts.

The sea of Amorgos is clear and crystalline, and its beaches, some very beautiful, are both pebbly and sandy.

The island's road network consists mainly of a single road running from north to south, connecting the port with the capital. There is also a local bus service to the main localities. The island has taxi services, car and scooter rentals, but be cautious when traveling by scooter on the northern road when strong winds blow, as it is very exposed.